With Ninja Turtles, Bike Safety Goes To Kids` Heads

April 10, 1991|By Michele Weber Hurwitz.

Physicians and safety proponents have long tried to get kids to wear bicycle helmets-whose use can cut bicycle-related injuries by 85 percent. But less than 5 percent of kids wear them. They`re just not cool.

Now a San Diego helmet manufacturer, Troxel Cycling & Fitness, thinks it has the answer. This month, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles bike helmets will make their debut in bicycle retail and Toys R Us stores nationwide.

Kids everywhere can look like their heroes-the bodacious dudes Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael and Leonardo-with these hard-shell, neon-green helmets that feature menacing turtle eyes and colorful bandanas. The helmets ($35.99-$39.99) meet federal safety standards and are designed to fit children ages 1 to 7.